World religion briefs

White House sides with the Vatican

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration has largely sided with the Vatican in a clergy sex abuse lawsuit that names the Holy See as a defendant and is before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The acting U.S. solicitor general, joined by the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Justice Department, filed a brief last Friday arguing that the case does not meet the standard for an exception to the Foreign Sovereign Immunity Act, under which the Vatican is typically immune from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts.

The solicitor general's office recommended that the lawsuit be sent back to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for reconsideration. The lower court had ruled that the case could go forward because there was enough of a connection between the Vatican and the accused priest for him to be considered a Vatican employee under Oregon law. The Vatican has argued that it is not responsible for the actions of individual priests in dioceses.

'ISNOGOD' license plate is rejected

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota transportation officials have turned down a Fargo atheist's request for a personalized license plate declaring there "ISNOGOD."

Brian Magee said the state has allowed plates proclaiming "ILOVGOD" and other religious messages. He said North Dakota's Department of Transportation should accept his plate application, or recall the religious plates it has already given out.

The agency is considering Magee's request. Transportation Department policy bars license plate slogans that have obscenities, racial or ethnic slurs, and offensive or sexual references.

Catholic diocese to lay off workers

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield is laying off more than one-third of its work force in an effort to close a projected $5 million deficit for the next fiscal year.

Bishop Timothy McDonnell said in a statement that 49 positions, including seven clergy and religious personnel, are being eliminated out of 138 jobs total. The layoffs take effect July 1. The bishop says the cuts were prompted by the economic downturn, increased financial demands to subsidize Catholic schools, and some parishes' failure to meet financial obligations.

McDonnell says settlements with abuse victims did not play a significant role.

Court upholds ban on steel wheels